Examines what it takes to build a "learning community" designed to help all children receive a quality education on equal terms. The characteristics of communities of learners are described, and barriers to developing democratic learning communities are shown in the areas of leadership, testing and grouping, parent participation, and the…

A study investigated the effects of using videotaped self-modeling on the acquisition of new linguistic structures used for requesting in three preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Participants were able to learn through self-modeling; however, initial difficulties with generalization to the classroom setting were found. (CR)

Investigates the effects of two instructional strategies, visual display (animation, and static graphics with and without motion cues) and contextual presentation, in the acquisition of electronic troubleshooting skills using computer-based instruction. Study concludes that use of visual displays and contextual presentation be based on the…

Analyzes videotapes of people using the Illinois Digital Library system during tests as well as transcripts and audiotapes from the sessions. Identifies how users learn to uncover new features and what assumptions they have about systems. What first appeared to be a random trial-and-error use of the interface was actually structured exploration…

Observed four fifth-graders who collaboratively solved problems integrating concepts related to fractions and area. Compared features of learning through peer collaboration with teacher-directed learning, including whole solution versus component parts, appropriation versus scaffolding, analysis versus synthesis, conflict versus errorless…

Presents two short articles. Discusses implementation of a K-W-E-L framework (What I Know, What I Want to Know, What the School District Expects, and What I Learned) in junior-level high school American literature courses. Presents a teacher's personal literacy history, which he wrote along with his students. Suggests successful teaching and…

This study divided 119 undergraduates into low and high prior knowledge groups and assigned them to three instructional treatments (control, instructor-provided imagery, learner-generated imagery) of the human cardiovascular system. Determined that there was no interaction between student prior knowledge and imaging strategy and that all imagery…

Discusses the teaching perspective of Systemocentrism, or teacher/learner-centeredness, and two of its main elements: (1) attention to teachers' and learners' inner experience; and (2) attention to the intersubjective systems that develop among teachers and learners. Suggests that Systemocentrism provides faculty developers with a new tool for…

Discusses issues involved in electronically delivered distance education courses in higher education relating to the role of faculty. Topics include preparation, presentation, and participation; content considerations; writing skills; student motivation; involving students in their learning by encouraging interaction and communication; and…

Describes a PEET (Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy) project designed for undergraduate biology students at Boston University's College of General Studies. Reports that the project used a small group field research setting, facilitating critical thinking skills and group dynamics. Discusses the issue of how to introduce and…

Illustrates the need for new avenues for making the findings of science, particularly ecology, understandable to the broadest possible audience. Proposes using unorthodox means such as poetry for conveying information. (DDR)

Recommends a number of investigations using video-capture and two readily available, non-pathogenic larval Digeneans with contrasting life cycles and behavior. The activities support the hypothesis that parasites exhibit behavior that increases their chances of a host infection. (DDR)

This research study surveys instructors' and students' perceptions of teaching and learning in Web-infused courses drawn from a review of the social constructivist and instructional technology literature. Topics include computer competency; pedagogical beliefs; learning strategies; degree of integration; instructional practices; perceived degree…

Addresses the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in a classroom environment. Discusses classroom setups, including networks and Internet connections; utilizing resources, including lecture notes, software demonstrations, and simulations; the use of laptop computers; and examples of technology use where students don't have access to…

Describes a Web-based course management system called TeleTOP that was developed at the University of Twente (Netherlands) to shift the focus in a course from the presentation of content to the facilitation of learners making contributions to the course. Considers instructor tasks, changes in class activities, and implications for the instructor…